Aron Johannsson played 66 minutes as AZ were unable to overcome Groningen on the road on Sunday.

Groningen 2 - 1 AZ

AZ and Groningen traded late goals after AZ defender Nick Viergever's own goal, ensuring the host's the victory while Aron Johannsson and his teammates walked away empty handed.

Although Groningen were able to generate some meaningful scoring opportunities, AZ's Costa Rican keeper Esteban Alvarado made all required saves in the first 45 minutes, ensuring they went into halftime with a scoreless tie intact.

There was little Viergever could do in the 52nd minute as he was responsible for the opening goal. Eric Botteghin headed a set piece effort of the far post where Viergever was attempting to hold off Timo Leschert when the ball bounced into the AZ defender and back into the net, making it 1-0.

Johannsson aided Johann Gudmondsson's equalizer for AZ in the 58th minute without recording a touch. Gudmondsson's side footed effort scooted into the lower left corner after Johannsson set up as if he were going to redirect it, but let it roll through, throwing off Groningen keeper Marco Bizot.

Johannsson made way for Denni Advic in the 66th minute, and Groningen took the lead shortly after. Richairo Zivkovic came on in the 70th minute, and gave his team the lead just a minute later. The 17 year old sensation rose and met a Nick van der Velden cross, netting a header just inside the left post.